The Silverstone Design Challenge is aimed at students in four age categories: KS2, KS3, KS4 and Post Sixteen, from schools and colleges across the country, and focuses on the subject of Design Technology with a real world link.

The competition is split into two main challenges, linked to Key Stage age groups: • KS2 pupils have the "Stamp it!" challenge. • KS3, 4 and 5 pupils have two challenge briefs to choose from: "what-ya-call- it? and "engineering excellence" The competition is open to teams of 1-4 pupils or students and involves designing new innovative products through investigation and research into the challenge brief, developing ideas and concepts.

Finally KS3, 4 and Post Sixteen teams will present their ideas to a group of judges on a finals day at Silverstone, part of which involves a 'Dragon's Den' presentation! As well as providing an interesting and fun competition the challenge also offers entrants the opportunity to learn about Design and Technology in a real world context and work in a way that is out of the ordinary. For teachers the challenge offers the chance to enhance the curriculum and engage their learners in a new way! Find out more about the Silverstone Design Challenges at their website.

The "What-ya-call- it?’’ and "Engineering excellence" challenges fit very well with the CREST Bronze, Silver and Gold Award criteria. You can find out more about the CREST Award criteria and how you could link this challenge to the Award scheme through your CREST Local Coordinator.